Back in 1872, Patek Philippe delivered a silver pocket watch to the Rio de Janeiro jewellers Carlos Gondolo and Paulo Labouriau, marking the beginning of a partnership that would endure until around 1927. It was a savvy move: while Europe faced economic hardship and the turmoil of a world war, Gondolo & Labouriau were selling nearly a third of all Patek Philippe watches produced.

Demand was extraordinary, and in Brazil, the brand became synonymous with time itself — people didn’t just buy a watch, they bought a Patek, even if it wasn’t one !

In 1902, Gondolo & Labouriau asked Patek Philippe to craft a pocket watch with a unique twist — a gold gear train — and thus the legendary Chronometro Gondolo line was born. By 1910, the first Chronometro Gondolo wristwatches had arrived, sporting square, rectangular, and tonneau cases that perfectly captured the flair of the era.

These watches weren’t shy: some reached an impressive 48mm in diameter, catering to Brazilian collectors who loved their timepieces to make a statement.

Seizing on the allure of exclusivity — having Switzerland’s finest watchmaker create pieces just for them — Gondolo & Labouriau launched a clever marketing coup: the “Gondolo Gang,” a watch-collecting club that celebrated and showcased their creations.

The “Plano do Club Patek Philippe System” was pure genius. Essentially a pay-by-installment plan, it let collectors spread the 790 Swiss franc price of a Chronometro Gondolo over 79 weeks — making these watches more accessible without losing their allure. But Gondolo & Labouriau didn’t stop there: each week, they held a lottery for club members, and if your number came up, you won the watch outright and skipped the remaining payments.

The weekly draws became more than just a lottery; they were social events. Members were treated to concerts, soirées, and parties, turning the Gondolo Gang into a lifestyle club as much as a watch-collecting circle — blending exclusivity, excitement, and the undeniable charm of Patek'..

When Patek Philippe re-introduced the “Gondolo “ collection in 1993 they offered Art Deco styling.this new generation of Patek Philippe watches featured cambered cases for a comfortable fit and, for the most part, came in rectangular cases…

At hand we have an 18 k white gold Gondolo ref 5111G ,Manufactured from 2004 to 2007. It was initially released for the Japanese market before a wider international release.

It features an 18k white gold art deco style rectangular case with dimensions of 30 x36 mm , measured without the lugs in great condition.

The dial of this fellow is again art deco inspired ;with engraved horizontal stripes on the silvered dial with raised baton hour markers and an Arabic numeral at 12 o'clock , a small second with a recessed sub dial at 6 o’clock side paired with sharp, masculine dauphine hands.We have requested an Patek' extract of the archives for this watch!

The watch is paired with the photographed , slightly used Patek' leather strap with an original Patek ' 18kt white gold pin buckle .

Experience the spirit of the Gondolo Gang — request details on this 5111G and let's get a deal !

Specifications:

Patek Philippe “Gondolo” reference 5111G
30 x36 mm 18 k white gold case
Silver “art deco “ dial with small second sub dial , dauphine hands
Movement cal 215 manual wound
Movement serial 189xxxx / case no 429xxxx dating to ca. 2005
Original Patek Philippe strap (slightly used ) with original 18 k white gold Patek pin buckle
Requested extract of the archives for this watch.
Fully serviced by our watchmaker
One-year mechanical warranty
Free worldwide Fedex Priority shipping

Patek Philippe Gondolo Silver dial in 18 k white gold ref 5111G

Patek Philippe Gondolo Silver dial in 18 k white gold ref 5111G

Before/after